Concealed pocket assembly for clothing article

ABSTRACT

A clothing article generally includes a posterior panel and two anterior panels, at least one of which contains a breast panel and a concealed pocket assembly. The concealed pocket assembly is attached to the lower hem of the breast panel to form the anterior panel. The concealed pocket assembly generally includes a pocket flap, an inner pocket panel and an outer pocket panel. The pocket flap is positioned over the outer pocket panel to conceal the upper hem of the outer pocket panel. The pocket flap is integrated into the concealed pocket assembly at the lateral and medial seams. A closure mechanism attaches to the medial edge of both anterior panels to releasably fasten the clothing article together.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a clothing article with a pocket and flap over the pocket and, more particularly, a concealed pocket assembly that is integrated into the lateral and medial edge of the pocket.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

There are several types of pocket structures known for outer clothing article designed to hold objects during the course of labor. Conventionally, many pockets are previously formed and sewn into the clothing article, which allows access into the pocket through an unobstructed opening or an opening covered by a flap. However, these pockets often involve bulky designs or loose flaps which hinder movement in the midst of a task.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide a concealed pocket assembly which holds objects securely without obstructing hand or body movement.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

As further set forth in detail below, this disclosure provides a clothing article having a posterior or back panel, a first anterior or front panel, a second anterior panel, and a closure mechanism. The first and second anterior panels include a breast panel connected to the posterior panel, and the first anterior panel further includes a concealed pocket assembly. In general, the concealed pocket assembly includes a pocket flap, an inner pocket panel, and an outer pocket panel. The concealed pocket assembly is generally attached to a lower hem formed on the breast panel but may be attached by alternative means. Optionally, the outer pocket panel has an upper hem which forms the opening of the pocket.

In one embodiment, the concealed pocket assembly has a pocket flap and inner pocket panel connected to the lower hem of the breast panel along a lower edge. The outer pocket panel is connected to the inner pocket panel. The outer pocket panel has an upper hem which remains free. The pocket assembly is defined by a lateral and medial seam interconnecting the pocket flap, inner pocket panel, and outer pocket panel to each other. The fabric layers along the seams are configured so that no more than five layers adjoin which results in a relatively flat and smooth seam. In this way, the inner and outer pocket panels define a pocket wherein no seams are visible and the upper hem is concealed behind a portion of the pocket flap.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, of a selected embodiment, do not represent all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a clothing article with a concealed pocket assembly in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the concealed pocket assembly;

FIG. 3 is cross-section of the concealed pocket assembly showing corresponding components in an exploded manner;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the concealed pocket assembly of FIG. 3 showing corresponding components in an assembled manner;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the concealed pocket assembly similar to FIG. 4 with the pocket and flap in an open position;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the concealed pocket assembly of FIG. 1 showing the medial seam interconnecting the pocket flap, inner pocket panel, outer pocket panel, and a closure mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the clothing article with a concealed pocket further showing an embodiment of the clothing article with a badge holder and bias trim around the outer edges of the clothing article; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the clothing article of FIG. 1 showing the anterior and posterior panels along with a lateral seam connecting these panels.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application, or uses. Example embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, they are not intended to limit these terms, but are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments and vice versa.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the present teachings generally include a clothing article 10 having a posterior or back panel 12 and an anterior or front panel including a first anterior panel assembly 14 and a second anterior panel assembly 16. The clothing article 10 is designed to fit around the upper body portion of an individual and may take the form of a zippered vest without sleeves attached as shown in FIGS. 1, and 7-8. One skilled in the art will understand that the concealed pocket assembly hereinafter disclosed may be incorporated into a variety of clothing articles such as jackets, sweaters, waistcoats, smocks, aprons and the like. Such articles of clothing may or may not include a closure mechanism into the anterior panel assembly. With reference to FIG. 1, the posterior panel 12 includes an upper edge 50, a lower edge 66, a first lateral edge 52 and a second lateral edge 54. The upper edge 50 of the posterior panel has a first portion 50 a and a second portion 50 b opposite the first portion, which forms the back collar of the neck opening 62 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, the anterior panel assembly includes a first anterior panel assembly 14 and a second anterior panel assembly 16 which may create a full vertical opening on the medial edge 48 of each panel assembly that can be fastened by a closure mechanism 36. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 36 is a zipper as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, but other fastening means may also be used such as buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®). The posterior panel 12 and the anterior panel assemblies 14 and 16 may be made from a variety of materials, such as cotton or polyester, depending on the desired durability and water/stain restraint qualities. Likewise, the fabric may be made of meshed material 64 or tightly woven fabric, again depending on the intended uses and desired functionality of the clothing article.

With reference to FIG. 1, the first anterior panel assembly 14 includes a breast panel 18 and a concealed pocket assembly 20. The second anterior panel 16 may be a single panel configuration 68 (not shown) or alternately may include a breast panel 18 and a concealed pocket assembly 20 fabricated with the same method as the concealed pocket assembly 20 in the first anterior panel 14. As illustrated, the breast panel 18 includes a lower hem 30 along the bottom border which serves as a connection point with the concealed pocket assembly 20. In one embodiment, the anterior panel assemblies 14 and 16 contain a breast panel 18 and a concealed pocket assembly 20 that connect at the margin opposite the closure mechanism 36 to the respective lateral edges 52 and 54 of the posterior panel 12 to form the lateral torso region of the clothing article 10 and corresponding arm openings 60. Further, the topmost margin of the breast panel of the anterior panels 14, 16 connect to the respective upper edges 50 a and 50 b of the posterior panel 12 to form a neck opening 62. For a more orderly look, the connection between the breast panel 18 and the upper edge 50 a or 50 b and lateral edge 52 or 53 of the posterior panel 12 may be in the form of a top seam 70 and lateral seam 38, respectively, so the edges of the posterior 12 and anterior panels 14, 16 are stitched together facing the interior of the clothing article 10.

With reference to FIG. 2, the concealed pocket assembly 20 generally includes a pocket flap 22, outer pocket panel 24 and inner pocket panel 26. The pocket flap 22 may be made of a single layer of fabric, a folded two-layer construction, or multiple layers depending on the preference of the wearer. The pocket flap 22 may have a connection surface 74 that corresponds with the inner pocket panel 26 and connection surface 72. In doing so, the concealed pocket 20 will form a smooth relatively flat and continuous connection with the lower hem 30 of the breast panel 18 upon fabrication. The outer pocket panel 24 and the inner pocket panel 26 are preferably of same length and width. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the outer pocket panel 24 is hemmed to form an upper hem 32. Accordingly, the outer pocket panel 24 will be slightly shorter in length than the inner pocket panel 26 which will allow a proper construction as shown in FIG. 3.

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the concealed pocket 20 is formed by initially arranging and laying up the component parts. In particular, the concealed pocket 20 is constructed in accordance with FIGS. 2 and 3, where the outer pocket panel 24 rest between the inner pocket panel 26 and the pocket flap 22. Next, a superior or upper seam 42 is stitched to interconnect the connection surface 72 of the inner pocket panel 26 to the connection surface 74 of the pocket flap 22 and the lower hem 30 of the breast panel 18 as best seen in FIG. 4. This forms the upper boundary of the concealed pocket 20. In this arrangement, the upper hem 32 of the outer pocket panel 24 will be hidden behind the pocket flap 22 allowing for a sleek, concealed look in the final product.

With reference to FIG. 6, an interior or lower seam is constructed along the lower portion of the medial edge 48 interconnecting the lower hem 30 of the breast panel 18 and pocket flap 22 with pocket panels 24 and 26 to anterior panels 14 or 16 forming the medial seam 40 of the clothing article 10. In an embodiment, the closure mechanism 36 may also be interconnected along this medial seam 40 with the concealed pocket assembly 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The medial seam 40 extends to the base of the concealed pocket assembly 20 connecting the outer pocket panel 24 to the inner pocket panel 26. As illustrated, the lower medial perimeter of the clothing article 10 is curved such that the medial seam 40 extended along the lower edge 44 of the concealed pocket assembly 20 to the lateral seam 38 interconnecting the outer pocket panel 24 with the inner pocket panel 26 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the lower medial perimeter of clothing article 10 may be cornered, in which case the medial seam 40 may cease at the junction where the medial edge 48 meets the lower edge 44. Currently, the lower perimeter of the inner 26 and outer pocket panel 24 may be separately stitched together along the lower edge 44 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the edge portions 44, 48, 52 and 54 can form a finished, hemmed, or otherwise neat edge that can define a border.

With reference to FIG. 8, an additional stitching is made along the first 52 or second lateral edge 54 interconnecting the pocket flap 22, outer pocket panel 24, inner pocket panel 26 and lower hem 30 of the breast panel 18 to the posterior panel 12 forming a lateral seam 38. This seam extends down to the bottom of the concealed pocket 20 connecting the outer 24 and inner pocket panels 26 to the posterior panel 12. Likewise, the lateral seam 38 extends upwards to interconnect the breast panel 18 with the posterior panel 12 along the upper portion of the lateral edges 52 and 54 extending to the base of the arm openings 60. The integration of the pocket flap 22 into the lateral 38 and medial seams 40 results in a pocket flap which avoids getting objects, such as fingers and tools, caught in the pocket while at the same time securing materials fixedly in the concealed pocket 20. It will be understood in light of the art that the aforementioned assembly is but one embodiment, and the process of fabricating the seams of the concealed pocket 20 may proceed in multiple alternative sequences.

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the lateral 38 and medial seams 40 define the sides of the concealed pocket assembly 20. The pocket flap 22 is integrated into the pocket assembly 20 by the lateral 38 and medial seams 40 thus concealing the pocket assembly 20 with the breast panel 18 to give an aesthetically pleasing and uninterrupted look. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the corners of the pocket flap 22 are non-releasably fixed to the concealed pocket assembly 20 along the lateral 38 and medial seams 40 to keep the pocket flap 22 compact with the rest of the concealed pocket assembly 20. This feature prevents the pocket flap 22 from fluttering chaotically during movement while simultaneously allowing for easy access into the concealed pocket assembly 20. In an embodiment, a hook and loop fastener 34 (e.g., Velcro®) is located near the lower internal edge of the pocket flap 22 and incorporated into the stitching of the upper hem 32 on the external side the outer pocket panel 24 as shown in FIGS. 2-5. In this manner, the hook and loop fastener 34 is close to the perimeter of each article of clothing to prevent fraying of the clothing fabric.

With specific reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the slim look of the concealed pocket assembly 20 is accomplished due to the arrangement of the seams. The superior seam 42, lateral seam 38 and medial seam 40 of the concealed pocket assembly 20 contain no more than five layers of fabric, as shown in FIG. 4. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the arrangement of fabric in the superior seam allows the lower hem 30 of the breast panel 18 and the lower portion of the pocket flap 22 to align with one another creating a relatively flat surface. The combination of both these features gives the concealed pocket assembly 20 a smooth structure while also concealing the seams from the view of the public.

With the concealed pocket assembly 20 installed into one, or both, anterior panels 14 and 16 of the clothing article 10, pocket panels 24 and 26 can be subdivided to form multiple pocket configurations. A stitching can be made interconnecting the outer 24 and inner pocket panel 26 from the upper hem 32 to the lower edge 44 of the concealed pocket assembly 20 to form a subdividing stitching 56 as shown in FIG. 2 to provide separate compartments within the concealed pocket 20.

With reference to FIG. 7, the final product of the clothing article 10 may have a badge holder 46 in either of the first and second anterior panel assemblies 14, 16. As an example embodiment, the badge holder 46 may resemble the configuration described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,856 which is expressly incorporated by reference herein, but is not limited to that configuration. Further, the clothing article 10 may have bias trim 28 stitched along the edges of the clothing article 10 demarcating the style lines. In one embodiment, the bias trim 28 may be secured along the neck opening 62 and medial edges 48 of anterior panels 14 and 16. In another embodiment, the bias trim 28 may be secured solely around the arm openings 60. Further, the bias trim 28 may circumscribe the neck opening 62, arm openings 60, medial edges 48 and lower edges 44 and 66 of the posterior 12 and anterior panels 14 and 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clothing article adapted to surround an upper body portion, the clothing article comprising: a posterior panel having an upper edge, a lower edge, and first and second lateral edges; a first anterior panel assembly having a medial edge, the first anterior panel including: a breast panel connected to the posterior panel along a first portion of the upper edge to define a neck opening and connected to the posterior panel along at least an upper portion of the first lateral edge to define a first arm opening; a concealed pocket assembly having: a pocket flap and an inner pocket panel connected along a lower hem formed on the breast panel; and an outer pocket panel connected to along a lower perimeter to the inner pocket panel, the outer pocket panel having an upper hem; a lateral seam interconnecting the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to the posterior panel along a lower portion of the first lateral edge; a medial seam interconnecting the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to each other along a lower portion of the medial edge of the first anterior panel such that the inner and outer pocket panels define a pocket wherein the upper hem is concealed behind a portion of the pocket flap; a second anterior panel assembly connected to a second portion of said upper edge of the posterior panel opposite said neck opening and connected to the posterior panel along said second lateral edge to define a second arm opening opposite said first arm opening; and a closure mechanism interposed between the first medial edge of said first anterior panel and a second medial edge of said second anterior panel to releasably interconnect the first and second anterior panel assemblies.
 2. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said lateral seam extends upward to interconnect the breast panel and posterior panel along the upper portion of the first lateral edge.
 3. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said medial seam interconnects the medial edge of first anterior panel assembly to the closure mechanism.
 4. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said closure mechanism comprises a zipper.
 5. The clothing article of claim 1 further comprising a hook and loop fastener affixed to the interior of the pocket flap and the exterior of the outer pocket panel for releasably securing the pocket opening.
 6. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein a superior seam interconnects the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the lower hem of the breast panel.
 7. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said pocket flap comprises a folded, two-layer construction.
 8. The clothing article of claim 1 further comprises a bias trim secured along the neck opening and medial edges.
 9. The clothing article of claim 8 further comprises a bias trim circumscribing the lower edges of the anterior and posterior panels.
 10. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein a bias trim is secured around the arm openings.
 11. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said second anterior panel assembly has a medial edge and further comprises: a second breast panel connected to the posterior panel along a second portion of the upper edge to define a neck opening and connected to the posterior panel along an upper portion of the second lateral edge to define a second arm opening; a second concealed pocket assembly having: a pocket flap and an inner pocket panel connected to a lower hem formed on the breast panel; an outer pocket panel connected to along a lower perimeter to the inner pocket panel, the outer pocket panel having an upper hem; a lateral seam interconnecting the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to the posterior panel along a lower portion of the second lateral edge; and a medial seam interconnecting pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to each other along a lower portion of the medial edge of the second anterior panel such that the inner and outer pocket panels define a pocket wherein the upper hem is concealed behind a portion of the pocket flap.
 12. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said clothing article comprises a vest.
 13. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said clothing article is fabricated with meshed material.
 14. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said inner pocket panel connects to the upper hem of the outer pocket panel to subdividing the pocket.
 15. The clothing article of claim 1 wherein said clothing article further comprises a badge holder provided in one of the first and second anterior panel assemblies.
 16. A method for fabricating an article of clothing comprising: laying up a posterior panel having an upper edge and a first and second lateral edge, and a first and second anterior panel assembly having a medial edge, said first anterior panel having a breast panel and a concealed pocket assembly; stitching a lateral seam to interconnect a pocket flap, an inner pocket panel and an outer pocket panel to the posterior panel along a lower portion of the first lateral edge; stitching a medial seam to interconnect the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to each other along a lower portion of the medial edge of the first anterior panel; stitching along an upper edge of the inner pocket panel to connect said inner pocket panel and the pocket flap along a lower hem of breast panel; stitching a lower perimeter of the inner and outer pocket panel to connect the outer pocket panel to the inner pocket panel such that the inner and outer pocket panels define a pocket wherein an upper edge of the outer pocket panel is concealed behind a portion of the pocket flap; stitching the upper edge of the posterior panel along an upper periphery of each respective breast panel of the first and second anterior panel of the article of clothing to define a neck opening; stitching a lateral edge of the breast panel of the first anterior panel along a corresponding upper portion of the first lateral edge of the posterior panel to define a first arm opening; stitching a lateral edge of the breast panel of the second anterior panel along a corresponding portion of the second lateral edge of the posterior panel to define a second arm opening opposite said first arm opening; and securing a closure mechanism interposed between a first medial edge of said first anterior panel and a second medial edge of said second anterior panel to releasably interconnect the first and second anterior panel assemblies.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: laying up said second anterior panel with a breast panel and a concealed pocket assembly opposite the breast panel and concealed pocket assembly of the first anterior panel; stitching a lateral seam to interconnect a pocket flap, an inner pocket panel and an outer pocket panel to the posterior panel along a lower portion of the second lateral edge; stitching a medial seam to interconnect the pocket flap, the inner pocket panel and the outer pocket panel to each other along a lower portion of the medial edge of the second anterior panel; stitching along an upper edge of the inner pocket panel to connect said inner pocket panel and the pocket flap to a lower hem of breast panel; and stitching a lower perimeter of the inner and outer pocket panel to connect the outer pocket panel to the inner pocket panel such that the inner and outer pocket panels define a pocket wherein an upper edge of the outer pocket panel is concealed behind a portion of the pocket flap.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising stitching a hook and loop fastener to a lower internal edge of the pocket flap and a corresponding upper external edge of the outer pocket panel.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising stitching a first side of the closure mechanism along said first medial edge of said first anterior panel; and stitching a second side of the closure mechanism along said second medial edge of said second anterior panel to provide a closure mechanism integrated into the clothing article.
 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising stitching a bias trim circumscribing the neck opening, the arm openings, and the medial and lower edges of the anterior and posterior panels. 